2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HEAVY-DUTY TRUCKS ARE UP FOR THE JOB

With powerful designs complementing exceptional capabilities, the Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty models are ready for any task, whether work or leisure. They are offered in a range of 2500HD (three-quarter-ton) and 3500HD (one-ton) models; and are available in WT, LT and LTZ trim.

New features and content changes for 2009 include a number of safety-related and convenience features that bolster an already comfortable and refined driving experience. They include:

New black metallic exterior color

OnStar 8.0 – The latest-generation OnStar system offers advanced features, including Turn-by-Turn Navigation and new, Destination Download that automatically downloads requested directions to the navigation system

Bluetooth connectivity – Available with OnStar 8.0, it enables safer, hands-free calling and other wireless activities, with controls on the steering wheel

XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic – Available with the standard XM Satellite Radio service, the new NavTraffic feature delivers real-time traffic advisements through the navigation system

New, optional rearview camera system – Extended cab and crew cab customers can select this safety device that can be ordered without the navigation system; it provides a remote view directly behind the vehicle via a display in the inside rearview mirror

Bold and distinctive exterior designs

Silverado heavy-duty models have bold, muscular designs that are differentiated from their light-duty siblings. This includes specific grilles, headlamps, hoods and front fenders – all conveying broad-shouldered, ready-for-anything strength.

Silverado HD models have a wider and taller dual-port grille, with a prominent gold bow tie emblem at the center. Large, reflector-optic headlamps and corner lights wrap around the front end and flow into flared front fenders, enhancing the truck’s broad stance. The fender flares have a chiseled, squared-off appearance and complement the strong power dome hood design.

The trucks are refined looking, too, with doors that extend over the rockers for a smooth, uninterrupted look, and lamps that have a jeweled appearance. The door handles feature large, grab-style designs that are easy to open with gloves. Tolerances between panels are minimal – including a 50-percent reduction in the space between the cab and cargo box – which enhances the overall sleekness of the design.

Cab and cargo box configurations

Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are offered in regular, extended and crew cab configurations, which are complemented with standard (6-foot 6-inch) and long (8-foot) cargo box lengths. Silverado 3500HD models also are available with the Dually dual rear wheel configuration on a long (8-foot) box. Features such as 170-degree-opening (164 degrees with dual rear wheels) rear access doors with fully retractable power windows on extended cab models, offer increased versatility.

The pickup boxes have great versatility, strength and capacity. A one-piece wheelhouse and inner box side offer strength and a smoother, more integrated appearance. The boxes are 1.18 inches (30 mm) deeper in the front and 1.57 inches (40 mm) deeper at the rear than previous-generation models, with stronger inner walls that offer improved performance when fitted with ladder racks, tool boxes and other accessories. Cargo bed volume is 60.7 cubic feet (1,718 L) with the regular box and 75.5 cubic feet (2,138 L) with the long box.

Dually cargo boxes are made of all steel, including hydroformed sheet metal outer fenders. They have a smooth, integrated appearance and enhanced strength. All Dually models feature marker lights on box side panels and sleek cab roof lights that are aerodynamically integrated into the top of the cab.

The tailgate designs include a lock and an available EZ Lift feature, with torque-rod assist. The tailgates are also easily removed by simply opening to 45 degrees and pulling straight out and away from the vehicle.

An innovative cargo management system is available and is complemented by a range of dealer-ordered accessory packages. Three rails that run the length of the box sides and the forward box wall are secured with high-strength anchors and, unlike competitors’ systems, incorporate upper and lower tracks. Four adjustable tie-down brackets are included with each system and can be located anywhere on the tracks, each rated for a load of 500 pounds (227 kg).

A group of specific accessory products designed to integrate into the cargo management system is at the heart of a comprehensive accessories portfolio. The rails enable the use of an overhead utility rack rated at 500 pounds (227 kg) loading capacity, a sliding diamond plate toolbox, a sliding bed divider, diamond plate side storage boxes or a bicycle mount. These accessories use either the upper or lower rails, allowing numerous combinations that can easily fit together or bypass one another as they slide along the rails. The tool boxes and bicycle mount use a codeable lock, enabling the vehicle key to be used for locking and unlocking these accessories.

Segment-leading interior designs with superior craftsmanship

Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD are quieter, more spacious and refined inside, with increased passenger comfort and storage space. They each feature two new and distinct interior designs that reflect their respective brand identities, including specific trim, appointments and gauge cluster appearance.

Base- and midlevel-trim models include a functional pure pickup interior design theme with a contemporary adaptation of GM’s ergonomic cockpit instrument panel design. In addition, this interior includes specific door panels with large door pull and release handles, as well as unique seat configurations; center console and underseat storage systems; and two glove boxes (a traditional lower glove box and a covered upper storage compartment).

Spaciousness in each interior trim level is enhanced with new, “low and forward” instrument panels that provide a more airy feel to the cabin as well as a panoramic field of vision. The instrument panels are mounted approximately 3.5 inches (90 mm) down and forward on the pure pickup interiors, while the premium interior instrument panel is located 5 inches (127 mm) down and forward. Both instrument panel designs are integrated into their specific door panels to create a swept appearance.

All interiors are refined and craftsmanship is highlighted by flush surfaces, tight gaps and tolerances on the instrument panel, center stack, clusters and other components. Most gaps on the instrument panels and clusters are 0.5 mm or less. Attention to detail was given to concealing fasteners and metal structural components of all seats. There is no exposed hardware in the interior or door sills. Soft-touch and low-gloss finishes for the instrument panels and other trim pieces are used throughout. The color and grain of the materials were carefully selected to provide a premium look. Sculpted headliners of new woven fabric and door trim, as well as sculpted seat backs, enhance the perception of precision in the new interiors.

Complementing the interiors’ finely crafted look and feel is segment-leading quietness. All trim levels – even base work truck models – benefit from a comprehensive system that delivers a passenger environment almost devoid of noise. This is achieved with the use of strategically placed sound-deadening and sound-absorbing material in the body structure – including liquid-applied dampener on the floor and front-of-dash – as well as the inherent, vibration-minimizing traits of the stiffer frame and quieter attributes of the aerodynamically tuned exterior. Also, improved-design door sealing and a doors-over-rockers design help eliminate road and wind noise.

A stadium-style rear seat with a 60/40-split design and folding center arm rest can be easily folded up to provide an uninterrupted load floor. Or, either section of the split seat can be stowed independently, allowing room for both cargo and a rear-seat passenger

A “double” glove box, which includes a large-capacity, traditional glove box and a new, covered storage compartment above it, with a 3.4-liter storage capacity

Models equipped with the luxury-inspired premium interior come with a single large glove box with substantial storage capacity

The premium interiors include large center consoles with the segment’s largest storage capacity: 20.1 liters of undivided volume

The pure pickup interiors on all LT models feature a 6.1-liter armrest storage console and an underseat storage bin built into a new 40/20/40-split bench seat. This 9.1-liter lockable storage bin, which includes an accessory power outlet, is located under the center seat cushion and is large enough to store a laptop computer

The gauges have an analog display, with large, easy-to-read graphics. They are lit with ice-blue LED lighting, which provides crisp, bright illumination and a more upscale look. A driver information center is incorporated on the instrument panel

A manual-control climate control system is standard on all models, with a dual-zone automatic system available. The dual-zone system allows for up to a 30-degree F difference in temperature settings between the driver and front passengers

Power-operated rear side glass is featured on extended cab models. The windows lower completely into the rear access doors

Power-operated back glass is available on extended and crew cab models. The window operates with the touch of a button located on the overhead console.

A large, power-operated sunroof is available on extended and crew cab models. The crew cab sunroof has a tilt/slide design, with a sliding sun shade and express open/close feature. The extended cab sunroof uses a spoiler-type sunroof design that slides back over the roof surface

A Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 6.0L engine, giving the powertrain combination a maximum gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 18,500 pounds (8,392 kg). The 6L90 has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. It also offers manual range selection and tap up/tap down control.

A clean and powerful Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engine is available. It continues to lead the segment in power and torque, with power ratings of 365 horsepower (272 kW) and 660 lb.-ft. of torque (895 Nm). Partnered with the Duramax engine is a diesel particulate filter system that helps provide a 90-percent reduction in particulate matter and a 50-percent reduction in NOx, when compared with models built prior to Jan. 1, 2007.

The Duramax engine is also enabled at the factory to run on B20 biodiesel fuel (fleet only).

The renowned Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission is partnered with the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel engine. It delivers good fuel economy, quietness and control. It features a class-first range selection function, which allows the driver to easily select the desired gears to match driving conditions, such as towing a trailer on a steep grade.

Chassis and driving experience

Working in concert with the powertrains are a strong chassis and responsive suspension systems. The vehicle frame is comprised of a sturdy ladder design that is reinforced with cross braces. It features a segmented design that enables easy and accurate adaptation of numerous lengths to accommodate the trucks’ five wheelbase lengths. The frame sections are joined with strong, overlapping segments that bolster overall strength and rigidity.

The strength of the frame and enhanced capabilities enabled by the powertrain systems allow the Silverado heavy-duty trucks to offer a larger, 2.5-inch trailer hitch receiver platform. This enables the trucks to pull a segment-leading maximum of 13,000 pounds (5,897 kg) with conventional trailers. Trucks with fifth-wheel hitches can tow up to 16,700 pounds (7,575 kg), when properly equipped.

Two suspension packages: Z85 and Z71. The Z85 suspension is standard on 2WD and 4WD models; the Z71 Off Road suspension is optional and includes additional chassis and suspension equipment, including skid plates.

A responsive steering control box is used with the recirculating ball steering system, delivering excellent returnability for a greater feeling of control and on-center feel.

A high capacity, four-wheel disc brake system with Hydroboost and four-wheel ABS is standard on all models. The brake system includes large-diameter front and rear disc rotors and stiff brake calipers.

All heavy-duty models are available with an integrated trailer brake controller. It is integrated with the ABS system and provides immediate and measured brake force signaling to electric-controlled trailer brake systems. There is no requirement for external and/or aftermarket brake control systems. The brake controller switch is conveniently mounted on the lower-left section of the instrument panel.

Safety details

Silverado heavy-duty models are designed to help drivers avoid crashes and protect passengers in the event one occurs. The robust ladder frame and strong body structure provide occupant protection. The frame is designed with crush zones that crumple to absorb crash energy, while the new body structure incorporates the strategic use of high-strength steel and structural adhesives designed to help maintain passenger compartment integrity and manage energy in a crash.

All retail models come standard with the OnStar 8.0, including a one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan. The OnStar service includes the General Motors Advanced Crash Response System, making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. If the vehicle is in a crash that activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who will check on the occupants or summon emergency help if necessary. OnStar also can assist authorities in locating a vehicle if it is reported stolen, and provides remote door-unlocking service (when the vehicle is equipped with power locks).

*SAE certified.

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